Motor Systems: Somatic Motor

The somatic nervous system is specialized for control of body functions which are initiated by conscious thought. (“I would like to touch my right index finger to my nose.”) This is in contrast to the autonomic motor system which operates continuously and without our conscious input (e.g. while we are asleep), although conscious input can modify the autonomic response.

Objectives in this section include:

1. Interpret a flowchart showing the organization of the somatic nervous system.
2. Discuss the key anatomical features of skeletal (voluntary) muscle.
3. Describe alpha motor neurons (α motor neurons; lower motor neurons) and the nature of their synaptic contact with skeletal muscle.
4. Illustrate the cross-bridge cycle and excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal muscle.
5. Explain the anatomy and function of the gamma loop.
6. Describe Golgi tendon organs.
7. Identify the location of motor cortex, and the function of different motor cortical regions.
8. Describe the lateral corticospinal tract.
9. Explain the anatomy and function of the cerebellum.
10. Explain the anatomy and function of the basal nuclei.
11. Discuss the location and function of mirror neurons .
12. State the anatomy and function of key reflex pathways.